Microsoft has announced the pricing for its next generation Xbox One games console and home entertainment machine. At the E3 show in LA last night Microsoft said the new console will be available to buyers in November for $499 in the USA, in the UK it will be £429 and in Europe €499.
The price seems high but looking at the history of console launch prices it doesn’t seem so bad. IGN games news editor Daniel Krupa spoke to The Guardian and said “At £429, the Xbox One will be an expensive investment when it launches in November – but Microsoft's wide array of games was a clear statement of intent for those who worried it might focus too heavily on the entertainment features. They have significantly invested in a wide range of gaming experiences, from triple-A blockbusters to quieter indie titles, and games for kids.” He concluded that “The price is high, but the Xbox One right now has bags of functionality and promise” at the time of this interview the Sony PS4 E3 presentation was yet to go ahead.
At Microsoft’s presentation everyone had already seen the console so the firm focussed upon new games that are coming to the Xbox One. Highlights of these, according to Cnet, included; Killer Instinct, Metal Gear Solid, Halo 5 and Dead Rising 3. You can check out many Xbox One game trailers now available at the Official Xbox Channel on YouTube.
Microsoft also took the opportunity to announce a change in the way people buy things on the Xbox digital stores. Microsoft Points are to be abandoned and prices will be displayed in your local currency. Hopefully this isn’t another way to squeeze more money from British consumers.
